Veterinarians have known for years that dental care of pets is important to overall health but pet owners don't seem to have received the message. It is estimated that two-thirds of all pet owners do not follow dental recommendations provided by their veterinarian. The result is a significant number of pets with oral disease as young as three years old. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health problems for dogs. Oral health is important for pets because dental problems can cause issues in other locations such as lungs, kidneys, intestinal tract, joints and heart. 

You wouldn’t want that for your furry family member!

Identify the Issue

The first step is to recognize if your pet has an issue. Bad breath is a typical indication that there might be trouble. In addition, excess drooling, weight loss, tooth staining, oral pain, sneezing and nasal discharge are symptoms. Cats may also stop grooming if they are experiencing a dental issue. A veterinarian can conduct a dental exam to determine if gingivitis (red, swollen gums that tend to bleed) is present. If your pet has gingivitis a professional cleaning may be recommended to avoid the potential of infection or tooth loss.  Anesthesia is typically required since pets are not able to sit still with their mouths open for a long period of time. In addition, pre-anesthesia blood work is usually recommended to verify no other health issues exist that may negatively impact the outcome of the dental work. 

Prevention is Key

To prevent your pet from having an oral issue it is best to start dental care at a young age. Teeth should be checked at every appointment to verify plaque has not built up and to identify any broken teeth. It is likely that your veterinarian will recommend daily tooth brushing with pet toothpaste. It can be applied with a toothbrush or washcloth. If you find it is not easy to brush your pet's teeth, oral rinses or dental treats may be an adequate alternative. In addition, selecting dry food for your pets will help them naturally remove plaque and tarter. 

Even with proper dental care it is possible that your pet will require a professional cleaning occasionally. It is likely that those cleanings will be less frequent if good care is being conducted regularly at home though.

Pets are often considered a member of the family. Taking care of their health is a priority to increase the length of their life. Oral care is an important aspect of overall health and should not be overlooked for your pets!